The event, held at the assembly premises in Aweil, was attended by Governor Simon Ober Mawut, members of parliament, cabinet ministers, and invited guests.
Abuk, who was appointed last week alongside several new ministers, replaces Achol William Amoi, another woman MP who had served in the role until her recent removal.
In her inaugural address, the new Speaker urged lawmakers to approach their responsibilities with seriousness and integrity, emphasizing that parliamentary work requires commitment to the people’s needs. She called on ministers to present their work plans for scrutiny and discussion, highlighting the importance of coordinated governance.
“I would like to urge all ministers to present their work plans to the August House as we discuss the affairs affecting our state,” she said. “I also call on the Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment to present the 2025–2026 budget so it can be thoroughly deliberated upon and passed in good time.”
Governor Ober Mawut used the occasion to rally MPs around a shared agenda of tackling the state’s most pressing challenges. He pointed to issues such as food insecurity, poor quality of education, and the delayed payment of teachers’ salaries—delays that recently led to the detention of several teachers.
“The task is huge, and it requires you to work as a team,” the governor said. “Only by discussing and presenting logical concerns together can we deliver solutions for our people.”
While the ceremony symbolized a fresh start for the assembly, public opinion remains divided. Some residents welcomed the leadership change and expressed hope for more effective legislation, while others voiced skepticism, noting that past sessions have yielded little progress on citizens’ concerns.
